Houston, We Have a Problem

[gizmopt2002]

Ok so recently my problem has been getting progressively worse. It started out as every so often, the VSC/TRAC and VSC OFF lights would go on. Now its almost 100% of the time, and its not just those anymore. There is the CEL, ABS and BRAKE light. Also the fuel gauge fluctuates by nearly a quarter gallon. I brought it to 2 dealers, both want $98/h to look at it. I decided to take it into my own hands as far as I can go. I spent and hour and 15 minutes doing my own self testing. I looked at everything, and everything was normal. I re gapped the plugs because they were at .35, instead of .44. I also replaced the air filter, and reset the ECU. After all this the lights are not on when sitting there. Which is good, but it won't last long. Tomorrow I am going to AutoZone when I throw the codes to have them read it. I will report back here. In the meantime, has anybody experienced this before? Any comments or suggestions?

 

[toto]

Wow, that sounds like a real messy situation!
The only thing all of those items have in common is computers, which makes me think that there is an electrical problem of some sort, such as a bad ground or even a weak battery. There could be a bad ECU somewhere, which is possible but not likely.

Although it may not be the problem, the first thing I'd point to if I were the dealer looking for an electrical problem would be the alarm/remote start. If there's a way to disconnect that easily, I'd do it to see if it solves anything. If it doesn't change, at least you're not going to pay $98 to hear about it.

 

[gizmopt2002]

I was thinking about that too. It could be a bad ground. Where are all the grounds at? Too many to name? Also it does sound like a bad ECU, the tech. at the dealer said it might be that. If it is, I might go look for newer 4Runner's at junkyards. I might also have the dealer est the battery too, it is the original one, but I don't see it bing dead yet.

 

[gizmopt2002]

Ok, just went to AutoZone. It's throwing code P0500, which is speed sensor A malfunction, and speedometer failure. Also I just searched around and, even though it is other cars, it worked, according to them the brake sensor was causing all sorts of trouble. I doubt it would apply to me though. After I did a U-turn, the ABS, and Brake lights went away and my speedo works again. But the Check engine light is still on and the VSC/TRAC, VSC OFF are all still on. I'm going under the car later to check all the connections. Anybody else experiencing anything similar, any suggestions?

 

[gizmopt2002]

Wow, this is quite odd. I went to a local store with my friend, all the light were on, and went on a local highway and after I did a U-Turn and floored for a little bit they ALL went away. Went back home, turned the car off, then later drove him home, lights were on again, came back home, turned off the car, then turned it back on, and they were once again off. This is really starting to bother me. Why is this happening?

 

[mike07]

Gizmo what ever happened with the P0500 code? Did you ever get it resolved? Just wondering because I'm getting the same code.
Thanks